US10729066B2 - Handle for a self-propelled machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-propelled machine includes a drive motor, a handle having two grips, an electromechanical converting device, and a speed adjusting element configured to move relative to the handle to adjust a rotational speed of the drive motor and configured to be operated by a user when the user holds one of the two grips with a single hand. The speed adjusting element is disposed between the two grips. The electromechanical converting device is configured to convert a positional change of the speed adjusting element into an electrical signal for adjusting the rotational speed of the drive motor. The speed adjusting element is movable between a first position and a second position. The rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the first position is greater than the rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the second position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

The present application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of International Application Number PCT/CN2017/084996, filed on May 19, 2017, which application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201710301230.5, filed on May 2, 2017, and Chinese Patent application number 201710301318.7, filed on May 2, 2017, the disclosures of are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a self-propelled machine.

BACKGROUND

A self-propelled machine includes a drive motor and wheels. The drive motor drives the wheels to rotate so that the self-propelled machine travels on the ground to achieve self-propulsion. The self-propelled machine includes a handle. The handle is disposed at the rear of the self-propelled machine. The self-propelled machine moves forward. A user walks behind the self-propelled machine and holds the handle to operate and manipulate the self-propelled machine.

Mowers and snowplows having self-propulsion functions are typical self-propelled machines.

The self-propelled machine is provided with a speed adjusting element and a starting trigger. The speed adjusting element is used for controlling the traveling speed of the self-propelled machine. The starting trigger is used for enabling the travelling function of the self-propelled machine.

The speed adjusting element of the existing self-propelled machine is inconvenient for the user to adjust the speed while the user is holding the handle.

The existing self-propelled machine is inconvenient for the user to quickly switch between the action of disabling the travelling function and pulling the machine backward and the action of enabling the travelling function.

SUMMARY

To remedy the deficiencies of the existing art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a self-propelled machine whose travelling speed can be adjusted when a user holds a handle.

To achieve this object, the present disclosure provides the solutions described below.

A self-propelled machine includes a deck, a wheel supporting the deck and rotatable relative to the deck, a drive motor driving the wheel to rotate, a handle configured to be operated by a user to push the self-propelled machine into motion and comprising two grips operative to be held by a left hand and a right hand of the user, a speed adjusting element configured to move relative to the handle to adjust a rotational speed of the drive motor and configured to be operated by the user when the user holds one of the two grips with a single hand where the speed adjusting element being disposed between the two grips, and an electromechanical converting device configured to convert a positional change of the speed adjusting element relative to the handle into an electrical signal for adjusting the rotational speed of the drive motor. The speed adjusting element is movable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position. The rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the first position is greater than the rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the second position.

In some examples, the electromechanical converting device is disposed in the handle.

In some examples, the electromechanical converting device is disposed between the two grips.

In some examples, the speed adjusting element is connected to the handle and rotatable around a central axis.

In some examples, the speed adjusting element is formed as a ring-shaped component that surrounds the handle.

In some examples, the handle is symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the grip includes a first grip extending along the central axis, and, in a radial direction of the central axis, a maximum dimension of the speed adjusting element is greater than a maximum dimension of the first grip.

In some examples, the speed adjusting element is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged in a circumferential direction of the central axis.

In some examples, the electromechanical converting device is a slide rheostat, the slide rheostat includes a body and a sliding block slidable relative to the body, the slide rheostat is operative to output a different electrical signal when the sliding block is in a different position relative to the body, and the speed adjusting element is configured to rotate relative to the handle to drive the sliding block to slide relative to the body.

In some examples, the electromechanical converting device is disposed in the handle, a position of the electromechanical converting device corresponds to a position of the speed adjusting element, and the speed adjusting element is operative to rotate about the central axis relative to the handle to drive the sliding block to slide relative to the body in a direction parallel to the central axis.

In some examples, the handle is formed with an elongated hole extending in the direction parallel to the central axis and the elongated hole guides the sliding block to slide relative to the handle in the direction parallel to the central axis.

In some examples, the speed adjusting element is defined with a groove oblique from the central axis, the groove is engaged with the sliding block, and, when moving relative to the sliding block, the groove is operative to drive the sliding block to slide relative to the body in the direction parallel to the central axis.

In some examples, the grip includes a first grip extending along the central axis, the handle is defined with an elongated hole extending in the direction parallel to the central axis, and the elongated hole is operative to guide the sliding block to slide relative to the handle in the direction parallel to the central axis.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine further includes a starting trigger which is configured to be operated by the user to start up the drive motor and which is disposed on the grip where the starting trigger and the speed adjusting element are configured to be operated by the user when the user holds the grip with a single hand, the handle is defined with a through hole, the starting trigger passes through the through hole and protrudes from the handle, and the through hole and the elongated hole are located on a same side of the handle.

In some examples, the electromechanical converting device is a Hall sensor that includes a Hall element secured to the handle and a magnetic element secured to the speed adjusting element where the Hall sensor is operative to output a different electrical signal when the magnetic element is in a different position relative to the Hall element.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine further includes a starting trigger configured to be operated by the user to start the drive motor and the starting trigger and the speed adjusting element are configured to be operated by the user when the user holds the grip with a single hand.

In some examples, the starting trigger is disposed on the grip, the starting trigger includes an operating portion protruding from the handle, and the operating portion is operable, by a hand holding the grip when the user holds the grip, to start the drive motor.

In some examples, the operating portion protrudes rearward from the handle; and the operating portion is configured to be operated, by the hand holding the grip when the user holds the grip with the hand, to move forward to start the drive motor.

In some examples, the grip includes a first grip extending along a straight line, a second grip extending along a straight line, and a connector connecting the first grip to the second grip where the first grip is disposed between the speed adjusting element and the connector, the first grip, the second grip and the connector collectively form an L shape, and the starting trigger is disposed on the first grip and the connector.

In some examples, the starting trigger is rotatably connected to the handle.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine further includes a working motor, a working accessory driven by the working motor to perform a function of the self-propelled machine, and a working trigger for starting the working motor. The working trigger includes a movable portion configured to be operated by the user. The movable portion is disposed in front of the handle and is configured to be operated by the user to move backward to start the working motor. The grip, the movable portion and the operating portion are holdable by the user with a single hand.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine further includes a starting switch controllable by the starting trigger to start up the drive motor and the starting switch is disposed in the handle.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine includes two starting triggers, the two grips are symmetrical about a plane, and the two starting triggers are symmetrical about the plane.

In some examples, a maximum distance from any point on the starting trigger to the handle is less than or equal to 20 mm.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine includes a working motor and a mowing blade driven by the working motor to rotate to perform a mowing function of the self-propelled machine where the deck is formed with a cutting chamber for receiving the mowing blade.

In some examples, the self-propelled machine includes a working motor, a snow sweeping paddle driven by the working motor to rotate to perform a snow sweeping function of the self-propelled machine, and a snow thrower configured to guide a movement of snow.

As will be better appreciated from the description that follows, by using the self-propelled machine disclosed in the present disclosure, a user can control the speed adjusting element while holding the handle with a single hand, either the left hand or the right hand, resulting in convenient and efficient adjustment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a self-propelled machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the self-propelled machine ofFIG. 1 taken from another perspective.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating a partial structure of the self-propelled machine ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a control assembly of the self-propelled machine ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an internal structure of a switch box of the control assembly ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an internal structure of a handle of the control assembly ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a partial structure of the control assembly ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the control assembly ofFIG. 4 taken from another perspective.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an electromechanical converting device and a speed adjusting element of the control assembly ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the speed adjusting element ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the electromechanical converting device and the speed adjusting element ofFIG. 9 taken from another perspective.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an electromechanical converting device, a speed adjusting element and a handle.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of another electromechanical converting device, another speed adjusting element and another handle.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another example of a self-propelled machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will be described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, a self-propelledmachine100 includes adeck10, awheel20, adrive motor30 and acontrol assembly40.

As a support structure of the self-propelledmachine100, thedeck10 is a structure on which various parts of the machine are assembled.

Thewheel20 is used for supporting thedeck10. Thewheel20 rotates relative to thedeck10 to move thedeck10 on the ground.

Thedrive motor30 is used for driving thewheel20 to rotate. Thedrive motor30 is mounted to thedeck10. The self-propelledmachine100 further includes atransmission mechanism31. Thetransmission mechanism31 connects thedrive motor30 to thewheel20.

Thecontrol assembly40 is used for controlling the self-propelledmachine100. Thecontrol assembly40 includes ahandle41. A user can push self-propelledmachine100 by pushing thehandle41. Thehandle41 is connected to thedeck10. Specifically, the self-propelledmachine100 further includes alink50 that connects thehandle41 to thedeck10. In an alternative example, thehandle41 and thelink50 are integrally formed. That is, thehandle41 and thelink50 are one part.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the self-propelledmachine100 includes a workingaccessory60 and a workingmotor70. The workingmotor70 drives the workingaccessory60 to perform a function of the self-propelledmachine100. The workingmotor70 may be an electric machine driven by electric power or an internal combustion engine powered by fuel combustion. Thedeck10 carries the workingmotor70. In an example, the workingmotor70 is an electric machine. The self-propelledmachine100 further includes abattery pack80. Thebattery pack80 supplies power to the workingmotor70. Thebattery pack80 supplies power to theelectric machine30. In another alternative example, the working motor may not be provided, and the working accessory is driven by the drive motor.

In an example, the self-propelledmachine100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 is a mower. The mower includes a mowing blade. As the workingaccessory60, the mowing blade implements the mowing function. Thedeck10 is defined with a cuttingchamber11. The cuttingchamber11 receives the mowing blade. The mowing blade rotates in the cuttingchamber11.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 to 8, thecontrol assembly40 includes thehandle41, aspeed adjusting element42, an electromechanical convertingdevice43, starting triggers44aand44b, starting switches45aand45b, a workingtrigger46, a workingswitch47, asafety key48 and aswitch box49.

Thehandle41 is formed with agrip411ato be held by a left hand and agrip411bto be held by a right hand. Thegrip411aand thegrip411bare symmetrical about a plane P1. Thehandle41 is symmetrical about the plane P1. Thehandle41 is made of plastic. Thehandle41 includes afirst handle housing412 and asecond handle housing413. Thefirst handle housing412 and thesecond handle housing413 are defined with a chamber.

Thespeed adjusting element42 is operable by the user to adjust the rotational speed of thedrive motor30. Thespeed adjusting element42 moves relative to thehandle41 to adjust the rotational speed of thedrive motor30. Thespeed adjusting element42 is disposed at the middle of thehandle41. Thespeed adjusting element42 is symmetrical about the plane P1. Thespeed adjusting element42 is disposed between the twogrips411aand411b. The user can operate thespeed adjusting element42 with the left hand while holding thegrip411ain the left hand. Specifically, the user can operate thespeed adjusting element42 with the thumb of the left hand while holding thegrip411ain the palm of the left hand. Similarly, the right hand can also hold thegrip411band operate thespeed adjusting element42 simultaneously in the same manner as the left hand. The user operation is convenient. In an example, thespeed adjusting element42 is rotatably connected to thehandle41. Thespeed adjusting element42 rotates around acentral axis101 relative to thehandle41. Thecentral axis101 is perpendicular to the plane P1. Thespeed adjusting element42 is formed as a ring-shaped component that surrounds thehandle41. Thespeed adjusting element42 is provided with a plurality ofgrooves423 arranged in a circumferential direction of thecentral axis101. Thegrooves423 extend along thecentral axis101 to make it easy for the user to rotate thespeed adjusting element42. Thespeed adjusting element42 includes a first speed adjustingelement housing421 and a second speed adjustingelement housing422. Thehandle41 is disposed between the first speed adjustingelement housing421 and the second speed adjustingelement housing422.

The electromechanical convertingdevice43 converts a positional change of thespeed adjusting element42 relative to thehandle41 into an electrical signal for adjusting the rotational speed of thedrive motor30. The electromechanical convertingdevice43 is disposed in thehandle41. The electromechanical convertingdevice43 is disposed in the chamber defined in thehandle41.

The starting triggers44aand44bare operable by the user to start thedrive motor30. The user can operate the startingtrigger44aand thespeed adjusting element42 with the left hand while holding thegrip411ain the left hand. Similarly, the user can operate the startingtrigger44band thespeed adjusting element42 with the right hand while holding thegrip411bin the right hand. That is, the user can control the functions of both starting and speed governing with only one hand, and both thegrip411aand thegrip411bcan control the functions of starting and speed governing.

The startingswitch45acan be controlled by the startingtrigger44ato start thedrive motor30. The startingswitch45ais electrically connected to thedrive motor30. The startingswitch45bcan be controlled by the startingtrigger44bto start up thedrive motor30. The startingswitch45bis electrically connected to thedrive motor30. In an alternative example, it is feasible to provide only one starting switch, and the two starting triggers are both used for triggering this starting switch to start the drive motor. In another alternative example, it is feasible to provide only one starting trigger. In another alternative example, the two starting triggers form one part or move synchronously. When the user operates one starting trigger to move, the other starting trigger would move synchronously.

The workingtrigger46 is configured to be operated by the user to start up the workingmotor70. The workingtrigger46 includesmovable portions461aand461bthat are configured to be operated by the user. Themovable portions461aand461bapproach thehandle41 to start the workingmotor70. The workingtrigger46 rotates around afirst axis102 relative to thehandle41. Thefirst axis102 is parallel to thecentral axis101. Thehandle41 rotates around asecond axis103 relative to thedeck10 to achieve the folding and storage function of thehandle41. Thesecond axis103 is parallel to thecentral axis101. Thewheel20 rotates around athird axis104 relative to thedeck10. Thethird axis104 is parallel to thecentral axis101. Thelink50 includes afirst link51 and asecond link52. Thefirst link51 is slidably connected to thesecond link52. Thefirst link51 slides relative to thesecond link52 along a firststraight line105. The firststraight line105 is perpendicular to thecentral axis101. The self-propelledmachine100 includes abattery case81 for mounting or receiving thebattery pack80. Thebattery pack80 is slidably connected to thebattery case81 along a secondstraight line106. The secondstraight line106 is perpendicular to thecentral axis101. An axis of rotation of the workingaccessory60 is parallel or perpendicular to thecentral axis101.

The workingswitch47 can be controlled by the workingtrigger46 to start up the workingmotor70. The workingswitch47 is electrically connected to the workingmotor70.

Thesafety key48 prevents the workingtrigger46 from being accidentally touched and thus from causing the workingmotor70 to start. The user needs to press thesafety key48 and then rotate the workingtrigger46 to trigger the workingswitch47 to start the workingmotor70.

Theswitch box49 is used for receiving the workingswitch47. The workingtrigger46 is connected to theswitch box49 and rotatable around thefirst axis102. Theswitch box49 includes aswitch box cover491 and aswitch box holder492. Theswitch box49 is secured to thehandle41. Theswitch box49 is secured to thelink50. Theswitch box cover491 and theswitch box holder492 grip thehandle41 and thelink50 from both sides.

The self-propelledmachine100 further includes acircuit board assembly90. Thecircuit board assembly90 controls the rotational speed of thedrive motor30 according to the electrical signal of the electromechanical convertingdevice43. Thecircuit board assembly90 is electrically connected to thedrive motor30 and the electromechanical convertingdevice43. In an example, as shown inFIG. 3, thecircuit board assembly90 is disposed on thedeck10. In an alternative example, thecircuit board assembly90 can also be disposed in theswitch box49 or thehandle41.

Thespeed adjusting element42 ofFIG. 4 is in a first position. Thespeed adjusting element42 ofFIG. 5 is in a second position. Thespeed adjusting element42 is rotatable relative to thehandle41 from the first position to the second position. The rotational speed of thedrive motor30 controlled by thecircuit board assembly90 when thespeed adjusting element42 is in the first position is greater than the rotational speed of thedrive motor30 controlled by thecircuit board assembly90 in a case where thespeed adjusting element42 is in the second position. Specifically, the electromechanical convertingdevice43 outputs different electrical signals when thespeed adjusting element42 is in the first position and the second position. Thecircuit board assembly90 controls, according to different electrical signals of the electromechanical convertingdevice43, thedrive motor30 to rotate at different speeds.

Thegrip411aincludes afirst grip416a, asecond grip417aand aconnector418a. Thegrip411bincludes afirst grip416b, asecond grip417band aconnector418b. Thefirst grip416aextends along a straight line. Thefirst grip416aextends along thecentral axis101. Thefirst grip416bextends along thecentral axis101. Thesecond grip417aextends along a straight line. Thesecond grip417bextends along a straight line. The extension directions of thesecond grip417aand thesecond grip417bobliquely intersect thecentral axis101. Thefirst grip416aand thefirst grip416bare near thespeed adjusting element42. Thespeed adjusting element42 is disposed between thefirst grip416aand thefirst grip416b. Thefirst grip416ais disposed between thespeed adjusting element42 and theconnector418a. Thefirst grip416bis disposed between thespeed adjusting element42 and theconnector418b. Thefirst grip416a, thesecond grip417aand theconnector418aform an L shape. Thefirst grip416b, thesecond grip417band theconnector418bcollectively form an L shape.

In a radial direction of thecentral axis101, the maximum dimension of thespeed adjusting element42 is greater than the maximum dimension of thefirst grip416aand the maximum dimension of thespeed adjusting element42 is greater than the maximum dimension of thefirst grip416b. The maximum dimension of thefirst grip416ais the same as the maximum dimension of thefirst grip416b. This makes it easy for the user to control thespeed adjusting element42 while holding thefirst grip416aand thefirst grip416b. In the radial direction of thecentral axis101, the maximum dimension of thefirst grip416ais the same as the maximum dimension of thefirst grip416b. Thefirst grip416aand thefirst grip411bare symmetrical about the plane P1.

Thespeed adjusting element42 is a ring member around thecentral axis101, and thespeed adjusting element42 has anouter surface42aand aninner surface42bsurrounding thecentral axis101. Theouter surface42aincludes a first cylindrical surface which is basically circular, and the first cylindrical surface has a first radius. Theinner surface42bincludes a second cylindrical surface which is basically circular, and the second cylindrical surface has a second radius. Thegrooves423 is formed on theouter surface42a, and thegrooves423 is used for the user to rotate thespeed adjusting element42. Although thegrooves423 is formed on theouter surface42a, theouter surface42acan be regarded as substantially circular. The first radius of the first cylindrical surface is greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm, and further, the first radius of the first cylindrical surface is greater than or equal to 18 mm and less than or equal to 35 mm, so that the speed regulating member can be more convenient for the user to operate. The length of thespeed adjusting element42 in the direction along thecentral axis101 is greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 80 mm. Further, the length of thespeed adjusting element42 in the direction along thecentral axis101 is greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm.

The startingtrigger44ais disposed on thegrip411a. The startingtrigger44bis disposed on thegrip411b. The starting triggers44aand44bare rotatably connected to thehandle41.

The startingtrigger44aincludes an operatingportion441aprotruding from thehandle41. The startingtrigger44bincludes an operatingportion441bprotruding from thehandle41. The operatingportion441ais operable, by a hand holding thegrip411awhen the user holds thegrip411a, to start thedrive motor30. The operatingportion441bis operable, by a hand holding thegrip411awhen the user holds thegrip411a, to start thedrive motor30. Specifically, the operatingportions441aand441bprotrude rearward from thehandle41. The operatingportion441ais operable, by the hand holding thegrip411awhen the user holds thegrip411a, to move forward to start thedrive motor30. The operatingportion441bis operable, by the hand holding thegrip411bwhen the user holds thegrip411b, to move forward to start thedrive motor30. When started, the starting triggers44aand44bdrive thedrive motor30 to drive the self-propelledmachine100 to move forward. When the user holds thegrips411aand411b, thedrive motor30 is started if thehandle41 is pushed. When the user needs to manually pull the self-propelledmachine100 to make it move backward, the user needs to release the starting triggers44aand44bto disable thedrive motor30. The user can relax the hold of thehandle41 and pull thehandle41 backward. In this case, the starting triggers44aand44bcan be released without being subjected to the force from the hands. This avoids the case where if disposed in front of thehandle41, the starting triggers44aand44bare still subjected to the force from the hands and thus keep working when thehandle41 is pulled backward, that is, thedrive motor30 is not disabled and it is difficult for the user to pull the machine backward. Specifically, the maximum distance from any point on the starting triggers44aand44bto thehandle41 is less than or equal to 20 mm. This makes it easy to release the starting triggers44aand44bwhen the user relaxes the hold of thegrips411aand411band pulls thehandle41 backward.

The startingtrigger44ais disposed on thefirst grip416aand theconnector418a. The startingtrigger44bis disposed on thefirst grip416band theconnector418b. Specifically, one end of the operatingportion441ais disposed on thefirst grip416a, and the other end of the operatingportion441ais disposed on theconnector418a; one end of the operatingportion441bis disposed on thefirst grip416b, and the other end of the operatingportion441bis disposed on theconnector418b. The user can control the startingtrigger44awith the palm when holding thefirst grip416a. The startingtrigger44ais triggered while the user holds thefirst grip416a. The self-propelledmachine100 is in the self-propulsion state. The operation is convenient and efficient. Similarly, the user can control the startingtrigger44bwith the palm when holding thefirst grip416b. The starting triggers44aand44bare not disposed on thesecond grips417aand417b. When the user holds thesecond grips417aand417b, the starting triggers44aand44bare not triggered. In this case, the self-propelledmachine100 is in the non-self-propulsion state. When the self-propulsion function is not needed, the user can hold thesecond grips417aand417bto operate the machine. When holding thesecond grips417aand417b, the user can control the starting triggers44aand44bwith thumbs to make the self-propelledmachine100 enter the self-propulsion state.

The workingtrigger46 includesmovable portions461aand461boperable by the left hand and the right hand respectively. Themovable portions461aand461bare disposed in front of thehandle41. The user operates themovable portions461aand461bto make them move rearward to start the workingmotor70. Thegrip411a, the movable portion461aand the operatingportion441aare holdable by the user in a single hand. Similarly, thegrip411b, themovable portion461band the operatingportion441bare holdable by the user in a single hand. Themovable portions461aand461bextend along a straight line. The working trigger further includes anintermediate portion462 connecting the twomovable portions461aand461b. Theintermediate portion462 deviates from the straight line along which themovable portions461aand461bextend. Thehandle41 is formed with a receiving groove capable of receiving themovable portions461aand461b. When the workingtrigger46 is triggered by the user, themovable portions461aand461bare located in the receiving groove to make it easy for the user to hold thegrips411aand411b.

The startingtrigger44ais used for triggering the startingswitch45a. The startingtrigger44bis used for triggering the startingswitch45b. Thehandle41 is formed with throughholes414aand414b. The startingtrigger44apasses through the throughhole414aand protrudes from thehandle41. The startingtrigger44bpasses through the throughhole414band protrudes from thehandle41. Specifically, thefirst handle housing412 is formed with the throughholes414aand414b. The two starting triggers44aand44bare symmetrical about the plane P1. The starting switches45aand45bare disposed in thehandle41. The two startingswitches45aand45bare symmetrical about the plane P1.

The electromechanical convertingdevice43 is disposed in thehandle41. The electromechanical convertingdevice43 is disposed between the twogrips411aand411b. The position of the electromechanical convertingdevice43 corresponds to the position of thespeed adjusting element42. The position of the electromechanical convertingdevice43 facilitates the rational use of the space inside thehandle41. The position of the electromechanical convertingdevice43 corresponds to the position of thespeed adjusting element42, simplifying the structure.

In an example, the electromechanical convertingdevice43 is a slide rheostat. It can be understood that a potentiometer also belongs to the slide rheostat.

Specifically, the slide rheostat includes abody431 and a slidingblock432 sliding relative to thebody431. The slide rheostat outputs a different electrical signal when the slidingblock432 is in a different position relative to thebody431. Thespeed adjusting element42 is operative to move to drive the slidingblock432 to slide relative to thebody431. More specifically, thespeed adjusting element42 rotates relative to thehandle41 to drive the slidingblock432 to slide relative to thebody431. The slidingblock432 slides relative to thebody431 in a direction parallel to thecentral axis101.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 9 to 11, thespeed adjusting element42 is formed with agroove424 oblique to thecentral axis101. The first speed adjustingelement housing421 is formed with thegroove424. Thegroove424 is engaged with the slidingblock432. Specifically, the self-propelledmachine100 further includes a connectingpiece433 secured to the slidingblock432. The connectingpiece433 passes through anelongated hole415. The connectingpiece433 penetrates into thegroove424 of thespeed adjusting element42 to make thegroove424 engage with the slidingblock432.

When thespeed adjusting element42 rotates relative to thehandle41, thegroove424 moves relative to the slidingblock432. Thegroove424 guides the slidingblock432 to slide relative to thebody431 in the direction parallel to thecentral axis101. Thehandle41 is formed with theelongated hole415. Specifically, theelongated hole415 extends in the direction parallel to thecentral axis101. Theelongated hole415 guides the slidingblock432 to slide relative to thehandle41 in the direction parallel to thecentral axis101. The throughholes414aand414band theelongated hole415 are located on a same side of thehandle41. Thefirst handle housing412 is formed with theelongated hole415 and the throughholes414aand414b.

Compared with the case where the slidingblock432 slides in a direction perpendicular to thecentral axis101 and the case where the slidingblock432 rotates along thecentral axis101, the case where the slidingblock432 slides along thecentral axis101 makes it not needed to provide a long opening in thehandle41 in the direction perpendicular to thecentral axis101 and thus is advantageous for increasing the strength of thehandle41. Thespeed adjusting element42 is rotatably connected to thehandle41. Compared with the structure in which the speed adjusting element is slidably connected to the handle, the structure in which thespeed adjusting element42 is rotatably connected to thehandle41 makes it easy for the user to operate the machine with any of the hands in the same manner.

In another specific example, the electromechanical converting device is a sensor. The sensor detects the position of aspeed adjusting element142 relative to ahandle141. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 12, the electromechanical converting device is aHall sensor143. TheHall sensor143 detects the position of thespeed adjusting element142 relative to thehandle141. TheHall sensor143 includes aHall element1431 and amagnetic element1432. Themagnetic element1432 is secured to thespeed adjusting element142. TheHall element1431 is secured to thehandle41. When thespeed adjusting element142 moves relative to thehandle141, themagnetic element1432 would move relative to theHall element1431. TheHall sensor143 outputs a different electrical signal when themagnetic element1432 is in a different position relative to theHall element1431. Thespeed adjusting element142 rotates relative to thehandle141 to drive themagnetic element1432 to rotate relative to theHall element1431.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the electromechanical converting device is aHall sensor243. TheHall sensor243 detects the position of aspeed adjusting element242 relative to ahandle241. TheHall sensor243 includes aHall element2431 and twomagnetic elements2432. The twomagnetic elements2432 are secured to thespeed adjusting element242. In an example, the magnetic directions of the twomagnetic elements2432 are opposite to each other. TheHall element2431 is secured to thehandle241. Specifically, theHall element2431 protrudes out of thehandle241 and is disposed between the twomagnetic elements2432. When thespeed adjusting element242 moves relative to thehandle241, themagnetic elements2432 move relative to theHall element2431. TheHall sensor243 outputs a different electrical signal when themagnetic elements2432 are in a different position relative to theHall element2431. Thespeed adjusting element242 rotates relative to thehandle241 to drive themagnetic elements2432 to rotate relative to theHall element2431.

In an alternative example, the electromechanical converting device may be a touch screen. The user's finger slides on the touch screen to make the converting device output different electrical signals so as to control the rotational speed of the drive motor.

In another alternative example, the electromechanical converting device may be a slider. Specifically, the user's finger slides from the back to the front on the slider to increase the rotational speed of the drive motor by one gear position; the user's finger slides from the front to the back on the slider to reduce the rotational speed of the drive motor by one gear position.

In an example, as illustrated inFIG. 14, a self-propelledmachine200 illustrated inFIG. 14 is a snowplow. The snowplow includes a workingmotor210, a snowsweeping paddle220, asnow thrower230 and adeck240. As a working accessory, the snowsweeping paddle220 implements the snow sweeping function. Thesnow thrower230 is used for guiding a movement of snow. The workingmotor210 drives the snowplow to rotate to drive the snow to be thrown from thesnow thrower230. Thedeck240 is formed with acavity channel250. The snowsweeping paddle220 rotates in thecavity channel250. Compared with the mower illustrated inFIG. 1, the snowplow illustrated inFIG. 14 can adopt the same manner of controlling self-propulsion and the same structure for implementing self-propulsion. Specifically, acontrol assembly260 of the snowplow illustrated inFIG. 14 is the same as thecontrol assembly40 of the mower illustrated inFIG. 1.

The above illustrates and describes basic principles, main features and advantages of the present disclosure. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the preceding examples do not limit the present disclosure in any way, and all solutions obtained by means of equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the scope of the invention hereinafter claimed.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. A self-propelled machine, comprising:

a deck;

a wheel configured to support the deck and rotatable relative to the deck;

a drive motor configured to drive the wheel to rotate;

a handle configured to be operated by a user to push the self-propelled machine into motion and comprising two grips operative to be held by a first hand and a second hand of the user;

a speed adjusting element configured to be movable relative to the handle to adjust a rotational speed of the drive motor, wherein the speed adjusting element is configured to be operated by the user when the user holds one of the two grips with one of the first hand or the second hand and the speed adjusting element is disposed between the two grips;

an electromechanical converting device configured to convert a positional change of the speed adjusting element relative to the handle into an electrical signal for adjusting the rotational speed of the drive motor;

a starting trigger disposed on one of the two grips and configured to be operated by the user to start the drive motor;

a working motor coupled to a working accessory configured to be driven by the working motor; and

a working trigger operably coupled to the working motor for starting the working motor, the working trigger comprising a movable portion configured to be operated by the user, the movable portion disposed in front of the handle and configured to be operated by the user to move backward to start the working motor, wherein one of the two grips, the movable portion, and the starting trigger are configured for operation by at least one of the first hand or second hand,

wherein the speed adjusting element is movable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position, the rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the first position is greater than the rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the second position, and the electromechanical converting device is at least partially disposed in the handle,

wherein the speed adjusting element is rotatably connected to the handle about a central axis,

wherein the electromechanical converting device is a slide rheostat, the slide rheostat comprises a body and a sliding block slidable relative to the body, the slide rheostat is operative to output a different electrical signal when the sliding block is in a different position relative to the body, and the speed adjusting element is configured to rotate relative to the handle to drive the sliding block to slide relative to the body, and

wherein the electromechanical converting device is disposed in the handle, a position of the electromechanical converting device corresponds to a position of the speed adjusting element, and the speed adjusting element is operative to rotate about the central axis relative to the handle to drive the sliding block to slide relative to the body in a direction parallel to the central axis.

2. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the electromechanical converting device is disposed in the handle.

3. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 2, wherein the electromechanical converting device is disposed between the two grips.

4. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the speed adjusting element is formed as a ring-shaped component that surrounds the handle.

5. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 4, wherein the speed adjusting element is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged in a circumferential direction of the central axis.

6. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the starting trigger and the speed adjusting element are configured to be operated by the user when the user holds the grip with a single one of the first hand or second hand.

7. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the handle is defined with a through hole and the starting trigger passes through the through hole and protrudes from the handle.

8. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the two grips comprise a first grip extending along a first straight line, a second grip extending along a second straight line, and a connector connecting the first grip to the second grip, the first grip is disposed between the speed adjusting element and the connector, the first grip, the second grip, and the connector collectively form an L shape, and the starting trigger is disposed on the first grip and the connector.

9. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the starting trigger is rotatably connected to the handle.

10. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, further comprising a starting switch disposed in the handle and electrically coupled to the drive motor and controllable by the starting trigger to start the drive motor.

11. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the self-propelled machine comprises an additional starting trigger, the two grips are symmetrical about a plane, and the starting trigger and the additional starting trigger are symmetrical about the plane.

12. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 10, wherein a maximum distance from any point on the starting trigger to the handle is less than or equal to 20 mm.

13. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the electromechanical converting device is a Hall sensor which comprises a Hall element secured to the handle and a magnetic element secured to the speed adjusting element wherein the Hall sensor is operative to output a different electrical signal when the magnetic element is in a different position relative to the Hall element.

14. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1, wherein the working accessory is a mowing blade and the working motor is configured to drive the mowing blade to rotate to perform a mowing function of the self-propelled machine wherein the deck is formed with a cutting chamber for receiving the mowing blade.

15. The self-propelled machine ofclaim 1 wherein the working accessory is a snow sweeping paddle and the working motor is configured to drive the snow sweeping paddle to rotate to perform a snow sweeping function of the self-propelled machine, and a snow thrower configured to guide a movement of snow.

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